Page 23 of The Games of Madmen

He’s got a point there.

“I am a taken woman,” I remind him.

“What happens in The Vault, stays in The Vault,” he retorts, his wicked amber eyes gleaming.

As if I haven’t heard that line a million times when he’s offered to relieve my stress.

I notice his eyes straying over to a group of what looks like college assholes being loud and crude to Jasmine the barmaid who is attempting to clear their table.

“Viktor.” His attention snaps back to me at the mention of his real name, his finger pushing against his lips.

“Shhh. It’s Tanner in here,” he says with a smirk and then adds, “or Master if you’re into that sort of thing.”

A woman walks past us, biting her lip at his words, and there’s no doubt she would willingly take what he’s offering. I’m probably the only person whohasn’tsuccumbed to his charms. Those charms extend to males too. He loves dipping in both honey pots. Hence, Maddox Whitmore. Rumor has it he and Viktor once liked to share women together.

Another slice of pain hits me right in the chest.

Don’t think aboutthem.

It’s better this way.

Viktor, ever perceptive, watches me with laser focus. He nods his head to the back. “What are you doing here? Do you want to speak in my office?”

Giving him a grateful smile, I nod. “Yes, please.”

Following him down the corridor, I read an incoming text.

Jeremiah: Adam’s ready to go anyway. He’s picked up a girl. Take an aspirin. I want between those thighs.

“What’s going on with you?” he asks as soon as the door to his office closes, stealing the space between us and roaming a knuckle down my cheek.

Clicking my phone to silent, I shove it in my purse, and lift a shoulder. “It’s nothing, really.” I try to act casual, feeling anything but, and Viktor is no fool.

“Little liar who lies.” His smile widens, but darkness glimmers in his honey eyes. “Tell me the truth before I force it out of you.”

“Just thinking about home.”About them.

I frown and look down at my boots. I found these over-the-knee black Steve Madden boots with extra tall heels at my favorite shop. Vika tried to buy them before I could, but it was before she met Maddox, and her credit card rejected the transaction. The cashier was not impressed when I danced around in the store, showing off my badass kicks, and accidentally knocked over an old mannequin, before swiping my card for them.Thank you, Jeremiah.I don’t like taking money from him, but some things you have to make exceptions for.

“Your home is here now and has been for a while,” he says sternly, almost as though he’s reminding himself.

In a rare show of real, non-flirty affection, Viktor pulls me in for a hug. I sink against his solid chest and let him hold me.

“Is everything okay with Jeremiah?” he asks, stroking his fingers through my long blonde hair. “Do you need me to take your mind off things?” His fist tangles in my hair and he tilts my head back with a sharp yank so I’m staring into his intense golden eyes.

“You know I’m not into your freaky shit. And you’re like a brother to me,” I grumble.

He gives me a cocky grin. “We’re in Arkansas. I hear jokes all the time that brothers and sisters can get their freak on.”

“You’re a dick,” I say with a laugh, shoving him away, thankful when he releases my hair.

“Come on, Voskoboynikov. Let’s role play.”

“There’s a woman out there that would let you do whatever you want.”

He snorts. “You and I both know I’d ruin a girl like her.”

“And me?” I ask, my hip jutting out as I curl up my lip. “You’re not worried about ruining me?”